Boomers in Worse Health Than Their Parents

Despite their reputation for being health-conscious, the nation’s 78 million baby boomers appear to be in worse health than their parents, according to a new study.

Researchers compared data from two sets of responses to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, or NHANES. Compared with the previous generation, they found that baby boomers were far less likely to rate their health as “excellent”, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes and be obese. They were also more likely to use a device to assist walking, have a functional limitation or limitation at work.

In terms of health behavior, boomers were less likely to smoke or exercise regularly and more likely to drink moderately.